Exacerbation of vasotonic angina pectoris by propranolol.
Using a double-blind protocol, we investigated the use of propranolol in patients with coronary artery spasm as assessed by subjective and objective variables. Both low-dose (40 mg every 6 hours) and high-dose (160 mg every 6 hours) propranolol were administered. At both doses, the duration of angina attacks was significantly prolonged but the frequency was not. We conclude that propranolol at doses up to 160 mg every 6 hours as single therapy is frequently detrimental in angina pectoris due to coronary artery spasm and should not be used as the sole treatment of this disorder.
D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003329:Coronary Vasospasm / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011433:Propranolol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011433:Propranolol; D005996:Nitroglycerin